As we reported earlier this week, Texas Rep. Paul (a 2012 Republican presidential contender) says FEMA does more harm than good, even in the immediate aftermath of disasters such as Irene, because "all they do is come in and tell you what to do and [what you] can't do" and add billions of dollars to the federal deficit.

Asked about Paul's comments, Shumlin said that the congressman should "look in the eyes of Vermonters who've lost their homes, who've lost their businesses, who've seen their husbands and children killed by the storm and see the kind of response that FEMA is giving us."

Then federal lawmakers, Shumlin said, should "stop the partisan bickering, stop the politicking, get FEMA the funds they need to respond."

He said he has spoken with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), governors throughout New England and to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D). "Everyone agrees that FEMA's doing their job," Shumlin said.

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